A number of partnership agreements have been reached between Australian tech startups and Singapore-based companies and research institutions. Signed earlier today, they will seek to bolster innovation and collaboration between the two nations in a number of fields.

Among the notable partnerships is a 3D printing-related agreement between Australian medical tech company Anatomics and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Anatomics has also entered into partnership with Singapore-based manufacturing company Ultra Clean Technologies (UCT).

Working with NTU, Anatomics will seek to advance research in the field of 3D printed medical devices, which will include developing new medical-grade 3D printing materials, as well as designing customized, smart implants.

Through its collaboration with UCT, the Australian startup will focus on the commercialization of its bespoke 3D printed medical devices, specifically for the Asian market. UTC has a been a key player in Singapore’s 3D printing industry since the launch of its Woodlands 3D printing facility in 2005.

Founded in 1996, Melbourne-based Anatomics has been an integral part of Australia’s medical device market. In recent years, the medical tech company has focused increasingly on 3D printed medical devices, and has teamed up with various healthcare professionals and companies to make its vision a reality.

Currently, the company is part of Australia’s Landing Pad program, which is aimed at helping Australian companies to integrate and partner with a particular country or region.

An agreement is signed between Anatomics and NTU

(Images: Rachel Phua)

According to Mr. Srinivas Bhaylahallithe, vice president of Anatomics' Asian business development division, the new partnerships with Singapore institutions will see Anatomics open up 18 to 20 positions in the field of bioengineering over the next three years. He also said Anatomics plans to reach out and collaborate with additional Asia-based healthcare institutions to market and sell their 3D printed products.

Down the line, the company will also explore the potential of smart medical devices and implants that are capable of giving feedback and real-time statistics about the patient’s condition and body.

Australian shipping and logistics company CEC Systems also signed a partnership with the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), part of the city state’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, for the development of a collapsible shipping container called COLLAPSECON.

Both Australian companies will henceforth have permanent offices in Singapore to conduct their new business from.